EA003914B1 - A cleansing device for wc pans - Google Patents

Abstract

1. A cleansing device for WC pans, comprising a solid bar (10) and a support member (12) having a lower portion (14) for supporting the bar (10) and an upper projection (16) for engaging the edge of the pan (10) so as to enable the support member (12) to be suspended, said solid bar (10) being transparent and containing cleaning active components, which are susceptible of being released simply as a result of exposure to the water released by the flushing system of the WC pan. 2. A device according to Claim 1, in which the bar (10) is formed by a composition comprising at least: - dibenzylidene sorbitol in a percentage of between 1 and 10%, - polar solvent having a dissolving power with respect to dibenzylidene sorbitol in a percentage of between 5 and 90%, and - surfactant in a percentage of between 1 and 60%. 3. A device according to Claim 2, in which the dibenzylidene sorbitol is present in a percentage of between 1 and 5%. 4. A device according to any one of preceding Claims 2 and 3, in which the polar solvent is present in a percentage of between 10 and 60%. 5. A device according to any one of preceding Claims 2 to 4, in which the polar solvent is selected from the group consisting of C3-C6 glycols, polyalkylene glycols, propylene carbonate, C2-C4 alcohols, and mixtures thereof. 6. A device according to any one of preceding Claims 2 to 5, in which the surfactant is present in a percentage of between and 45% and is selected from the group consisting of anionic, non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants. 7. A device according to any one of preceding Claims 2 to 6, in which the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C8-C18 alkyl sulphate anionic surfactants, sodium alkylbenzenesulphonates, sulphated ethoxylated fatty alcohols, alkylamidoalkyl-substituted tertiary amine oxides, and mixtures thereof. 8. A device according to any one of preceding Claims 2 to 7, in which the composition also comprises a modified cellulose, particularly hydroxypropyl cellulose in a percentage of between 0.2 and 1%. 9. A device according to Claim 1 in which the bar (10) is formed by a composition comprising at least: - fatty-acid salt in a percentage of between 2 and 20%, - polar solvent having a dissolving power with respect to fatty-acid salts, in a percentage of between 5 and 40%, and - surfactant in a percentage of between 1 and 60%. 10. A device according to Claim 9 in which the fatty acid is stearic acid and/or oleic acid and is present in sodium salt form. 11. A device according to any one of Claims 9 and 10 in which the salt is present in a percentage of between 5 and 15% and the polar solvent active with respect to the salt is present in a percentage of between 10 and 30%. 12. A device according to any one of Claims 9 to 11 in which the solvent is selected from the group consisting of C3-C5 glycols, polyalkylene glycols, poly-alcohols, polysaccharides, propylene carbonate, 2-methyl-1, 3- propanediol, C2-C4 alcohols and mixtures thereof. 13. A device according to any one of Claims 9 to 12 in which the surfactant is present at a concentration of between 5 and 55% and is selected from the group consisting of anionic, non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants and, in particular, from the group consisting of C8-C18 alkali-metal and/or alkalineearth metal alkyl sulphates, monoisopropanolamine (MIPA) C8-C18 alkyl sulphates, triethanolamine C8-C18 alkyl sulphates, sulphated ethoxylated fatty alcohols, cocomonoethanolamide and cocodiethanolamide, C10-C18 alkyl betaine, C10-C19 alkylamido-betaine, alkylamidoalkyl-substituted tertiary amine oxides, lauroyl amino-acid derivatives, C8-C18 alkanesulphonates, C8-C18 alpha-olefin sulphonates and mixtures thereof. 14. A device according to any one of Claims 9 to 13 in which the composition also contains C14-C18 alcohols and mixtures thereof in a percentage of between 0.2 and 5%. 15. A device according to any one of preceding Claims 2 to 19 in which the composition also comprises perfuming and/or odor-neutralizing substances in a percentage of up to l0% and preferably of between 0.1 and 8%. 16. A device according to any one of preceding Claims 2 to 15, in which the composition also comprises a dye. 17. A device according to Claim 1 in which the support member is formed as a cage (12) having a hollow lower portion (14) for holding the bar (10) and an upper projection (16) for engaging the edge of the pan so as to enable the cage (12) to be suspended. 18. A device according to Claim 1 in which the support member (12) has a lower portion (14) formed as a skeleton for supporting the bar (10), which at least partially covers the skeleton. 19. A device according to Claim 18 in which the lower portion (14) of the member (12) comprises a plurality of appendages (26) extending substantially horizontally, spaced apart vertically, and connected to one another by connecting elements (28) so as to be able to support the bar (10). 20. A device according to Claim 18 in which the lower portion (14) of the member (12) has a central body (30) formed as a plate, which joins together transverse end walls (32). 21. A device according to Claim 20 in which the central body (30) is shaped as an arc of a circular ring. 22. A device according to Claim 20 or Claim 21 in which the central body (30) is shaped as a plate perforated in accordance with a predetermined design. 23. A method of producing a device according to Claim 1 which provides for the introduction, into a cavity (18) of a mould (20), first of all of at least the lower portion (14) of the support member (12), and then of a molten mass (22) which is allowed to set so as to form the bar (10) containing its constituent ingredients. 24. A method of producing a device according to Claim 17 which provides for the introduction, into a cavity (18) of a mould (20), of a molten mass (22) which is allowed to set so as to form the bar (10) containing its constituent ingredients, and for the subsequent insertion of the bar (10) in the lower portion (14) of the cage (12).

Description

Typically, these devices are suspended on the edge of the toilet bowl and they dispense cleaning agents, foaming agents, flavors, and the like. into the toilet bowl with every operation of the flushing system.

The first known type of washing device comprises a solid colored bar enclosed in a cage configured to be suspended on the edge of the toilet bowl. The cell almost obscures the bar in it to conceal its rather unaesthetic appearance. But since the bar is poorly visible, it is difficult to timely detect that it has been used up and that it needs to be replaced.

The second known type of washing device contains a transparent container with a washing substance in a fluid state, the degree of viscosity of which may be different (for example, it may be a liquid substance or gel). The tank has a means for dispensing a certain amount of substance with each operation of the flushing system. These devices have a more aesthetic appearance than those mentioned above; a liquid is visible in them, which is preferably colored bright. The fact that the cleaning agent is visible also allows the user to see its gradual consumption and to replace it in time. But the disadvantage of these devices is their structural complexity and therefore that it is much more expensive than the first devices.

The purpose of this invention is to develop a washing device, which is more advanced in comparison with devices of the prior art, and in particular does not have the above disadvantages.

According to this invention, this goal is achieved by using a washing device for a toilet bowl containing a transparent solid bar; moreover, this definition includes any bar, which, at least, provides the perception of the image of this object as a bar, even without distinguishing its contours, if you look at it from the opposite side from the bar. The support element is preferably connected to the bar, and the bar rests on its lower part, and therefore, the bar is visible at least partially from the outside; the support element also has an upper protrusion for engaging the edge of the bowl to provide suspension of the support element. The lower part of the support element can be made, for example, in the form of a cage holding the bar, or in the form of a frame for placing a bar on it, which at least partially covers the frame.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition of the bar comprises at least the following:

dibenzylidene sorbitol with a percentage of from 0.5 to 10%;

a polar solvent having a solubility with respect to dibenzylidene sorbitol, with a percentage of 5 to 90%; and a surfactant with a percentage of from 1 to 60%.

The indicated percentages - and, unless otherwise indicated, also the percentages indicated further in this description - should be understood as the weight percent in relation to the composition of the bar as a whole.

According to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition of the bar comprises at least the following:

fatty acid with a percentage of 2 to 20%;

a polar solvent with a solubility in relation to salts of fatty acids, with a percentage of from 5 to 40%; and a surfactant with a percentage of from 1 to 60%.

Since the bar is completely transparent, the device according to this invention has an aesthetic appearance. In addition, since the block is made in the form of a solid block, it can act in the same way as a regular solid block. The bar according to this invention releases its active components, which therefore can fulfill its function of cleaning the bowl, simply as a result of exposure to water from the washing system, and it does not require the presence of complex metering elements.

The preferred percentage of sorbitol dibenzylidene is from 1 to 5% and a polar solvent active in relation to the specified sorbitol, from 10 to 60%.

The polar solvent is preferably selected from the group consisting of C ₃ -C ₆ glycols, polyalkylene glycols, propylene carbonate, C2-C4 alcohols, and mixtures thereof. Polyalkylene glycols preferably consist of 200-600 repeating units.

The percentage of surfactant related to dibenzylidene sorbitol is preferably from 5 to 45%, and this substance is selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, and in particular from the group consisting of C ₈ -C _{| 8-} alkyl sulfates, sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, sulfated ethoxylated fatty alcohols, alkyl amide trialkyl oxides and mixtures thereof.

The composition of the first embodiment of the present invention may also contain modified cellulose, in particular hydroxypropyl cellulose, with a preferred percentage of from 0.2 to 1%. This additive increases the elasticity and resistance of the bar to destruction.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the fatty acid is, for example, stearic and / or oleic acid, and is preferably present in the form of a sodium salt.

The percentage preferred content of this salt is from 5 to 15%; and the solvent active with respect to this salt has a percentage of from 10 to 30%. The solvent is preferably selected from the group consisting of C3C5 glycols, polyalkylene glycols, polyalcohols, polysaccharides, propylene carbonate, 2-methyl-1,3 propanediol, C ₂ -C ₄ alcohols and mixtures thereof.

The concentration of the surfactant is preferably from 5 to 55%, and it is selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, and in particular from the group consisting of C ₈ -C ₁₈ alkali metal alkyl sulfates and / or alkaline earth metal, C ₈ -C ₁₈ alkyl sulfates of monoisopropanolamine (MIPA), C8-C18 alkyl sulfates of triethanolamine, sulfated ethoxylated fatty alcohols, cocomonoethanolamide and cocodiethanolamide, C10C18-alkylbetaine, C10-C18-C18-alkylamide trialkyl oxides, derivatives of lauroyl amino acids, C8-C18 alkanesulfonates, C10C18 alpha olefin sulfonates and mixtures thereof.

The composition of the fatty acid salt of sodium, in particular the sodium salt of stearic acid, may also contain C14-C18 alcohols and mixtures thereof with a percentage of from 0.2 to 5%. These additives allow you to adjust the curing time of the bar during production, the appearance and transparency of the bar.

The compositions of the second embodiment of the invention turned out to be particularly suitable for ensuring adequate foaming and also for the complete solubility of the bar, even as a result of the relatively weak mechanical effect of the water flowing along its surface.

The various embodiments of the bar of the device according to this invention may contain all the ingredients commonly used in hygiene products. For example, its composition may contain aromatic and / or deodorizing substances with a percentage of up to 10%, and preferably from 0.1 to 8%.

The composition may also contain a dye. As a rule, its function is to make the bar immediately visible; and the dye is selected so that a logical connection is created between color and aroma. In particular, in the case of using a water-soluble dye, the dye is gradually removed with water, occasionally leaving the washing system. If the amount of dye is chosen in such a way that its full consumption coincides with the consumption of the active substances of the bar, then the discoloration of the bar acts as an indicator that indicates to the consumer that the device has been used up if the bar is not completely dissolved.

Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of non-limiting example of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a device according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. one;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the device of FIG. one;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal projection from above of the device of FIG. one;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a step of a manufacturing method of the device depicted in the previous drawings;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of yet another embodiment of a device according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a horizontal plan view from above of the device of FIG. 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of yet another embodiment of a device according to the invention; and FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. nine.

The washing device for the toilet bowl contains (Fig. 1-4) a completely transparent solid block 10 and a support element made in the form of a cage 12. The cell has a lower hollow part 14 to accommodate the bar 10 and an upper protrusion 16 for elastic engagement of the edge of the bowl to ensure Hanging is similar to hanging conventional devices containing solid colored bars.

The described preferred method of manufacturing the device provides (Fig. 5), firstly, the stage according to which the lower part 14 of the cell 12 is introduced into the cavity 18 of the form 20; however, the cover 21 attached to the protrusion 16 is left open. The molten mass 22, the compositions of which are given as examples below, are then poured into the cavity 18 through the nozzle 24.

Example 1

Propylene glycol 40%

Polyethylene glycol 400 20%

Hydroxypropyl cellulose 1%

Water 7%

Sodium sulfated ethoxylated fatty alcohol 18% Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid 7% Sodium carbonate (30% solution) 3%

Dibenzylidene Sorbitol 2%

Flavor 2%

Dye Remaining content up to 100% of the total composition

Example 2 Propylene glycol fifty% Hydroxypropyl cellulose one% Water eighteen% Sodium sulfated etok- silyl fatty alcohol twenty% C1 ₀ -C1 ₈ -alkyl sulfate 7% Dibenzylidene Sorbitol 2% Flavoring 2% Dye The rest of the content up to 100% of the total composition

Example 3

Propylene glycol 11%

2-Methyl-1,3-propanediol 11%

Sodium Stearate 10%

C1 _4- alcohol 1%

MIPA and sodium alkyl ester sulfate 37% C1 ₀ -C1 ₄ -propylamidobetaine 10%

Flavor 5%

Cocodiethanolamide 10%

Water 5%

Dye Remaining content up to 100% of the total composition

Example 4

Propylene glycol 10%

2-Methyl-1,3-propanediol 10%

Sodium Stearate 9%

C _{! 4} alcohol 0.5%

MIPA and sodium alkyl ester sulfate 15.5% C1 ₀ -C1 ₄ -propylamidobetaine 10%

Flavor 5%

Cocodiethanolamide 8%

Alkylamidotrialkyl oxides 20%

Sodium Alkyl Sulfate 4%

Water 8%

Dye Remaining content up to 100% of the total composition

After cooling and curing of the mass 22, it forms a bar 10. The bar and the cage-shaped supporting element 12 thus form a single product that can be used and stored as a unit and which has an aesthetic appearance when it is put up for sale in a store.

The manufacturing method described above also provides accurate shaping of those parts of the bar 10 that will be subjected to the flushing action of water during its use. These parts exposed to water actually correspond to those parts of the bar 10 that are not blocked by the elements of the cage 12 and which therefore can be arranged in accordance with a predetermined optimal location.

It is also possible to implement the device according to this invention using alternative methods, which include casting the molten mass in the form of an appropriate configuration to obtain a bar as a separate product. Then it is placed in a separately manufactured cage.

FIG. 6-8 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention in which reference numbers identical to the reference callers in the previous drawings are used for the same or equivalent elements.

In this embodiment of the invention, the support element 12 comprises a lower part 14 formed as an inner frame for the bar 10. Part 14 comprises a plurality of protrusions 26 spaced vertically apart from each other and connected to each other by connecting elements 28, so that it is possible the installation of the bar 10. The bar and also the upper elastic protrusion 16 of the element 12 have characteristics corresponding to those described above.

The protrusions 26 are in the form of horizontal undulation, as a result of which, together with the bar covering them, give the device an aesthetic appearance.

The manufacturing method of the device depicted in FIGS. 6-8 involves casting a molten mass, the composition of which, after cooling and curing, is suitable for forming the bar 10 into a mold in which the lower part 14 of the support element 12 is pre-installed. Referring to FIG. 6, casting occurs from above - in the plane of the sheet. Upon completion of the cooling process, the finished device, formed by firmly attached to each other by a bar 10 and a supporting element 12, can be removed from the mold. Or, first, the molten mass can be cast into a mold, and then the lower part 14 of the support element 12 can be introduced into the mass before it is cured to be embedded in the block 10.

FIG. 9 and 10 depict yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, in which reference callers identical to those in the previous drawings indicate the same or equivalent elements.

In this embodiment of the invention, the supporting element 12 also contains the lower part 14 in the form of an inner frame for the bar 10. Part 14 has a central body 30 formed in the form of a plate, which does not have to be flat and which is preferably perforated according to a given pattern and connects the transverse end walls 32. The Central body 30 as a whole has the shape of an arc of a circular ring. The block 10 and also the upper protrusion 16 of the element 12 have characteristics corresponding to those described above.

A method of manufacturing the device depicted in FIG. 9 and 10, provides for the casting of the molten mass, the composition of which, after cooling and curing, is suitable for forming the bar 10, in a form in which the lower part 14 of the support element 12 is pre-installed. Upon completion of the cooling process, the finished device formed by the bar firmly attached to each other 10 and the support member 12 can be removed from the mold.

Turning to FIG. 9, the casting is perpendicular to the plane of the sheet, and this circumstance ensures the universality of the configuration. In particular, the edge, which during use is intended to be the upper edge 34 of the product formed by the part 14 and the bar 10, may have an arcuate profile. This casting method allows to reduce the thickness of the bar 10, thereby reducing the time required for cooling the bar, and reducing the duration of the manufacturing process.

Of course, on the basis of the principle of the invention that remains unchanged, it is possible to vary widely without going beyond the scope of the invention, in particular the construction and form of implementation with respect to those described here only as an example not limiting the invention. In particular, the term “bar” should not be understood in any restrictive sense as only an element of a flat rectangular shape, but it is understood that this term defines any solid three-dimensional element regardless of its specific shape. The support element, in turn, can take essentially any shape provided that it allows you to see the bar from the outside and at the same time be its support during use, excluding the scattering of any debris into the bowl. The supporting element may also have a decorative design of any kind. Changes to these manufacturing methods are also possible by double casting a molten mass of various compositions and thereby manufacturing a bar consisting, for example, of parts of different colors.

Claims (24)

1. A washing device for a toilet bowl containing a solid element (10) and a support element (12) having a lower part (14) serving as a support for the solid element (10) and an upper part (16) for engaging the edge of the bowl (10) while ensuring that the supporting element (12) is suspended, while the solid element (10) is made transparent and contains cleaning active components that are able to stand out as a result of exposure to water coming out of the flushing system of the toilet bowl. 2. The device according to claim 1, in which the solid element (10) is formed from a composition containing at least sorbitol dibenzylidene with a percentage of from 1 to 10%; a polar solvent having a solubility with respect to dibenzylidene sorbitol, with a percentage of 5 to 90%, and a surfactant with a percentage of 1 to 60%. 3. The device according to claim 2, in which the percentage of sorbitol dibenzylidene is from 1 to 5%. 4. The device according to any one of paragraphs.2, 3, in which the percentage of polar solvent is from 10 to 60%. 5. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the polar solvent is selected from the group consisting of C ₃ -C ₆ glycols, polyalkylene glycols, propylene carbonate, C ₂ -C ₄ alcohols and mixtures thereof. 6. The device according to any one of paragraphs.2-5, in which the percentage of surfactant is from 5 to 45% and it is selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants. 7. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants based on C ₈ -C ₁₈ alkyl sulfate, sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, sulfated ethoxylated fatty alcohols, alkylamidoalkyl substituted tertiary amino oxides and their mixtures. 8. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, in which the composition also contains modified cellulose, in particular hydroxypropyl cellulose, with a percentage of from 0.2 to 1%. 9. The device according to claim 1, in which the solid element (10) is formed from a composition containing at least a fatty acid with a percentage of from 2 to 20%; a polar solvent with a solubility in relation to salts of fatty acids, with a percentage of from 5 to 40% and a surfactant with a percentage of from 1 to 60%. 10. The device according to claim 9, in which the fatty acid is stearic acid and / or oleic acid and is present in the form of a sodium salt. 11. The device according to any one of paragraphs.9, 10, in which the percentage of salt is from 5 to 15% and the polar solvent active with respect to this salt has a percentage of from 10 to 30%. 12. The device according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of C ₃ -C ₅ glycols, polyalkylene glycols, polyalcohols, polysaccharides, propylene 9 carbonate, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, C ₂ -C ₄ alcohols and mixtures thereof. 13. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, in which the surfactant is present in a concentration of from 5 to 55% and is selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, and in particular from the group consisting of C ₈ -C ₁₈ -alkyl sulfates of an alkali metal and / or alkaline earth metal, C ₈ C ₁₈ -alkyl sulfates of monoisopropanolamine (MIPA), C ₈ -C ₁₈ -alkyl sulfates of triethanolamine, sulfated ethoxylated fatty alcohols, cocomonoethanolamide and cocodiethanolamide, C _{10 18} alkylbetaines, C ₁₀ - ₁₈ alkylamidobetaine, alkilamidoalkilzameschennyh tertiary amine oxides, lauroilaminokislot derivatives, C8-C18 alkanesulfonates, C8-C18-alfaolefinsulfonatov and mixtures thereof. 14. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, in which the composition also contains C ₁₄ -C ₁₈ alcohols and mixtures thereof with a percentage of from 0.2 to 5%. 15. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 14, in which the composition also contains aromatic and / or deodorizing substances, the percentage of which is up to 10% and preferably from 0.1 to 8%. 16. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 15, in which the composition also contains a dye. 17. The device according to claim 1, in which the supporting element is made in the form of a cage (12) having a hollow lower part (14) for accommodating a solid element (10) and an upper part (16) for engaging the edge of the bowl with the possibility of suspension cells (12). 18. The device according to claim 1, in which the supporting element (12) has a lower part (14) made in the form of a frame serving as a support for the solid element (10), which at least partially covers the frame. 19. The device according to p, in which the lower part (14) of the support element (12) contains many protrusions (26) extending essentially horizontally, placed at a distance from each other in the vertical direction and connected to each other by connecting elements (28) with the ability to serve as a support for the bar (10). 20. The device according to p, in which the lower part (14) of the support element (12) has a Central body (30), formed in the form of a plate that connects together the transverse end walls (32). 21. The device according to claim 20, in which the Central body (30) is formed in the form of an arc of a circular ring. 22. The device according to any one of paragraphs.20, 21, in which the Central body (30) has the shape of a plate perforated according to a given pattern. 23. A method of manufacturing a device according to claim 1, in which at least the lower part (14) of the support element (12) and then the molten mass (22) are introduced into the cavity (18) of the mold (20), which is allowed to solidify for the formation of a solid element (10) containing its constituent ingredients. 24. A method of manufacturing a device according to 17, in which a molten mass (22) is introduced into the cavity (18) of the mold (20), which is allowed to solidify to form a solid element (10) containing its constituent ingredients; and then the solid element (10) is introduced into the lower part (14) of the cell (12).